Melbourne’s clean eating scene

Melbourne’s cafes are becoming increasingly innovate with their ingredients, catering to those who want to break their fast with fare that is fresh, flavoursome and friendly (to the animals, their bodies and the planet).

Oh, and it has to photograph well  in #foodpics. Here are 10 of the best:

CombiA stalwart of the clean eating movement, Combi has been serving up raw, vegan and superfood fare before the hipster brigade knew it existed. Since 2008, they’ve been providing the Elwood crowd – and their 62,000 Instagram followers – with some of the best fresh, tasty, healthy eating inspo going around. 1/140 Ormond Road, Elwood, +61 3 9531 0084.

Happy PlaceRecently opened by celeb nutritionist Lola Berry, Happy Place sits inside the South Melbourne Market, and has become immediately popular with both the market and post gym crowd. The health philosophy here goes beyond just good nutrition – be prepared to receive a flower-infused crystal with your smoothie order (it provides emotional and spiritual balance). Stall 56, South Melbourne Market, Cecil St, South Melbourne, +61 402 503 969.

Heal.thy Self Co.This cleverly named café focuses on free range, organic and fair trade dishes, with lots of options for those avoiding gluten or animal products. The superfood bowls bring traditional dinner vegetables to breakfast and lunch, while sweet tooths will be satisfied by their range of raw treats and smoothies. 26 Ballarat St, Yarraville, +61 431 300 984.

Hunters’ RootsHunters’ Roots provides diners with a clean-eating experience, serving cold-pressed juice, smoothies, and healthy breakfast and lunch options along with healthy sweet treats. The timber-clad décor makes the interior just as light and clean as the food served. 26 Katherine Place, Melbourne, +61 3 9629 9587.

Matcha MylkbarThe hottest name on Melbourne’s clean eating scene is definitely Matcha Mylkbar. Diners happy to wait up to two hours for a table are rewarded with Instagram-worthy vegan dishes that taste as good as they look. Aside from being plant-based, many dishes also have matcha (green tea) incorporated into their ingredients, making their dishes that bit healthier – and turning them a beautiful emerald hue. Regular visitors know that the beetroot and mushroom lattes are nowhere near as scary as they sound. 72A Acland St, St Kilda, +61 3 9534 1111.

Nutrition BarThe philosophy is in the name, with Nutrition Bar having a strong focus on clean ingredients – smoothies are their specialty, with protein bowls coming a close second. And for those who want to treat themselves, but still remain virtuous, there are raw treats such as snickers and bounty bars. 121 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC, +61 3 9995 4329.

Raw TraderAt Raw Trader, acai bowls and green juices sit alongside caramel slice, black forest cake and blueberry cheesecake, but these are desserts with a difference. This tucked away café specialises in treats that are organic, raw, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. And even with all the ‘naughties’ being taken out, the results are delicious – being good for you is a bonus. 10 Sutherland Street, Melbourne, +61 4 78 692 008.

Seratonin DealerA café that promises happiness? That’s exactly what’s on the menu at Seratonin Dealer, where the food and drinks on offer are designed to release serotonin – a chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance. The “positive pancakes” the basis for which is flour made from ground bananas. As well as being good for you, the café’s dishes are gorgeously Instagrammable. 52 Madden Grove, Burnley, +61 3 9428 8256.

Seedling CaféThis busy city health spot specialises in nutrient-dense, paleo, refined-sugar free, clean food. Those who like their food free of gluten and animal products, are also well catered for. Think super food smoothie bowls and salads, vegan and/or paleo soups (just like the cavemen used to make), chia puddings, smoothies, golden lattes, and grass-fed butter lattes, and you’re on the right track. 275 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

ShokuikuYou know a venue is serious about clean eating when their menu is entirely raw. And when you can name a trending health food (even the more obscure ones) and it’s on the menu. And Shokuiku has them all. In fact, in their Ultimate Smoothie, they’re combined into one smoothie – albeit it with a $25 price tag: coconut water, coconut meat, berries, hemp, cacao nibs, goji berry, ashwagandha, astragalus, MSM, camu camu, fulvic acid, reishi, maca, marine phytoplankton, mega hydrate, vanilla, and lakanto. Phew. 120 High Street, Northcote, + 61 403 569 019.